Voices Honoring International Women’s Day (Vox-pop Interviews)
The current situation in Myanmar following the recent military coup has led to increasing concerns across all sectors, including public security, peace, the economy, and social issues.
For women, who have faced generations of oppression and discrimination, these conditions present even greater challenges.
On commemoration of International Women’s Day, 8 March, Karen Information Center (KIC) has compiled words of encouragement and calls to action for women surviving under Myanmar’s armed conflict and current oppressive system.
Daw Hnin Hnin Hmway (Joint Secretary, Democratic Party For A New Society – DPNS)
“Women in our country have actively participated in every liberation struggle, from the anti-colonial movement to the fights for independence and democracy, including the 2021 Spring Revolution. They have steadfastly taken up lading roles at the front lines. Since the beginning of the Spring Revolution, we have seen them contributing to the best of their ability across all fronts.
Sadly, we continue to see discrimination and oppression against women. To end this, building a Democratic Federal Union—the goal of our revolution—is vital. We must never forget or fail to honor the unwavering participation of every woman in this revolution and those before it. We must eliminate discrimination.
We must work together with collective strength to build a new society as quickly as possible—one where women are no longer marginalized by political, economic, social, religious, or cultural traditions, nor by their marital or family status, and where all humans can participate equally.
In our country, women make up over 50 percent of the population. We can’t say the nation is liberated if its women are not. Liberation does not just mean physical freedom; it requires both mental and physical liberation. To achieve this, uprooting the military dictatorship and ending patriarchy are crucial steps. Therefore, let us fight together to reach a new, equal society”.
Nai Banyar Mon (Mon Political and Revolutionary Activist)
“I honor all the women who are courageously participating at the forefronts of every sector within our current political situation. Under the current evil system, the entire population of Myanmar, including women, is suffering. A major consequence of this system is the lack of the rule of law, which has severely worsened security for women.
While everyone is insecure, women feel the impact even more acutely. They are suffering more than men under the negative effects of this system. And, I see signs of discrimination and abuse against women rooted in culture and ideology within our system. These are often things that cannot be clearly pointed to or proven, women in our country suffer from them more, and I empathize with that.
The fact that the women of Myanmar stand firm and face these challenges is something to be admired and proud of. If we—both men and women—do not struggle against this evil system, we will continue to suffer. I urge everyone to struggle together to break free from it. Speaking of the equal rights women are demanding, men also have a responsibility. We must all fight together to create a system that guarantees equality for women. I urge women to keep their eyes on this goal and continue the struggle”.
Yebaw Than Khe (Chairman, All Burma Students’ Democratic Front – ABSDF)
“The security of women is essentially the security of human life. We all have mothers and sisters. When we build our own families, respecting and valuing women is essential. No matter how times change, the role of women must never be forgotten. Speaking of respecting that role, security is the primary issue.
In stable countries, women can go anywhere at any time, day or night, with a sense of safety; this security for women helps build stability for the entire public. In our country, with ongoing conflict, instability, and economic hardship under this evil system, I am deeply concerned when I think about how much women have to struggle. These issues are tied to politics and the system. That is why we must build toward a new era and a new system.
I emphasize that the role of women must not be overlooked in this process. Everyone must understand the significance of what has been said here.
We live in a ‘screen-based’ age where a single post on a phone can reach the world or promote one’s national cause. These platforms transcend the boundaries of gender and nationality. We must think at a high level. I believe there must be respect and civility in everything we write, regardless of the platform. In the past, without phones, we used to maintain these standards on the ground through face-to-face interaction. Today is different, so we must be careful to respect women. If we don’t, any organization will eventually fail. This respect is vital.
I personally honor International Women’s Day. We have mothers and sisters, and as we build families, we will have wives and daughters. Respect them. Only by building society and life in this way can we find peace and joy. Ultimately, the system and stability are very important. I’d like to say that women’s participation and support are essential in the revolution to change the system”.
Daw Tin Tin Nyo (Managing Director, Burma News International-BNI)
“At the moment, the armed conflict in Myanmar is intensifying, and the military junta is relentless airstrikes day after day. Under this evil system, women encounter the daily horrors and consequences of the conflict. It is also true that we face economic ruin and crises due to political instability and conflict. We have been facing these situations daily for five years now.
We, women, along with other Myanmar citizens, have been able to withstand these conditions. I believe we can continue to stay strong so we can reach a state where violence is eliminated and a peaceful society is built. I’d like to urge everyone to keep their spirits up. We must completely root out this evil system.
Only then will we be able to build the society we desire and hope for—one that respects democracy and recognizes the rights of all ethnic groups. So, on this International Women’s Day, I urge everyone not to give up, to move forward hand-in-hand, and to resist until the military dictatorship and all forms of dictatorship are wiped off the map of Myanmar”.
Ko Thaik Tun Oo (Committee Member, Political Prisoners Network Myanmar – PPNM)
“We all refer to Myanmar as our ‘Motherland’. I understand this to mean a country led by mothers. Not only in Myanmar but globally, the world has reached its current level of progress thanks to the growing capabilities and contributions of women.
We need to continue promoting the participation of women. For all the women in Myanmar who are struggling in their respective roles under this evil system without regard for their own lives, we feel great pride. With deep respect, I bow to the fallen women heroes and martyrs. On this International Women’s Day, I pray that women across the country and the world can take leading roles in important national sectors. I pray that the strength and power of women endure for as long as the world exists.”
By KIC